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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
George Smith

Luke Shaw and Casemiro start in Manchester United predicted line-up vs Liverpool FC

Manchester United will be looking to extend their winning run in all competitions to five matches when they lock horns with rivals Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday afternoon.

United, who beat the Merseysiders 2-1 at Old Trafford back in August, will be looking to build on a hat-trick of cup victories and pick up where they left off in the Premier League against Leicester City a fortnight ago. United defeated the Foxes 3-0 in their last league outing and have since beaten Barcelona in the Europa League, Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final and West Ham United in the FA Cup.

The victory over Leicester last month marked a second successive league win, meaning they will be looking to maintain their excellent run of form against Jurgen Klopp's side, who have rekindled their hopes of achieving a top-four finish this season. They have won three of their last four league games and have kept four successive clean sheets.

READ MORE: Erik ten Hag is already getting United summer transfer plans right

Having already beaten the Merseysiders once this season, United will be looking to complete a first league double over their rivals since the 2015/16 campaign. After ringing the changes against West Ham in midweek, Ten Hag is expected to revert back to a more familiar-looking starting line-up.

Despite making six changes against the Hammers, goalkeeper David de Gea kept his place in goal and is expected to continue between the sticks at Anfield. He has registered 10 clean sheets in the Premier League this season and will be keen to add to his tally.

Ahead of the Spaniard, Ten Hag could make up to as many as four changes to the defence that started against David Moyes' side on Wednesday night. Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez are primed to be reintroduced at centre-back in place of Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof, who both earned rare starts in midweek.

Diogo Dalot was preferred at right-back over Aaron Wan-Bissaka, meaning the latter could reclaim his place at Anfield. Luke Shaw is also in contention to return at left-back after missing the FA Cup win, meaning he could slot in for Tyrell Malacia.

Ten Hag is also expected to bring Brazilian midfielder Casemiro back into the starting line-up at the expense of Scott McTominay. The former Real Madrid star was introduced at half-time on Wednesday night and had a huge impact on the game.

However, Ten Hag could find it difficult to decide who partners the 31-year-old in the other defensive-midfield berth, as both Marcel Sabitzer and Fred will fancy their chances of getting the nod. The Dutchman, however, could lean towards Fred because of his energetic style and recent threat in front of goal.

Bruno Fernandes will occupy the most advanced midfield berth and pull the strings.

In attack, Marcus Rashford is expected to return to the starting line-up and take up residency on the left-wing, most likely joining forces with Wout Weghorst and Antony. Jadon Sancho is likely to start on the bench.

United starting line-up vs Liverpool: De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Martinez, Shaw; Casemiro, Fred, Fernandes; Antony, Weghorst, Rashford.

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